Dear Colleagues:
I am happy to report a major legislative win that was spearheaded by your union, UUP, at the end of the legislative session.
UUP’s advocacy has led to the passage in the State Senate and State Assembly of S8389C & A9523B. This legislation will be an incredible benefit for our contingent and adjunct members.
This bill is an amendment to state labor law, giving full-time employment status to public employees who work at least 30 hours per week for the limited purpose of accessing the federal Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.
The bill also applies a 3.35x multiplier to contingent faculty’s in-class hours so that hours worked outside of class are more accurately reflected.
Lastly, it will ensure that agencies and employers can transmit requisite paperwork on behalf of workers to the federal government which will help more New Yorkers get their loans forgiven faster.
There is more advocacy work to be done to push Governor Hochul to sign this bill. I hope you can take a moment to send a digital letter to Governor Hochul by clicking HERE.
In solidarity,
Frederick E. Kowal
President